Bulls' Jimmy Butler Out Against Bucks With Knee Swelling

By Cody Westerlund--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- After returning from a month-long absence Saturday with a quality performance, Bulls wing Jimmy Butler has encountered another setback, as left knee swelling will keep him out of Monday night's game against the Bucks.

Butler developed the swelling in the knee as Monday went on, coach Fred Hoiberg said. Butler did little in morning shootaround because of back stiffness, Hoiberg said, but it's the knee that's more concerning and will keep him out. The Bulls officially termed Butler's injury a left knee strain.

Butler's set to meet with team doctors later Monday evening, and the Bulls will know more then or Tuesday.

Butler suffered a left knee strain on Feb. 5 and missed the next 11 games, a stretch in which the Bulls went 3-8 without the All-Star. He returned Saturday against the Rockets, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

"As of right now, it's just too early to tell how long he'll be," Hoiberg said. "He may feel much better tomorrow. I'd imagine some type of test will happen in the next few days.

"There's concern. Jimmy's a warrior. He's going to try to play through anything. He developed swelling around that knee, and he's got a lot of soreness in there. It's just too early to tell how long this one will be. He's optimistic that he'll be back soon. Talking to him, I'll never doubt him."

Butler's averaging a team-high 22.4 points. E'Twaun Moore will start in his place.

This will be the 13th game Butler missed this season, all related to left knee problems. The Bulls are 4-8 without him.